Argentina’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Argentina has many unique natural and cultural wonders to offer, with more than 30 National Parks throughout the country. Some of those are so special that they’re recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Before telling you everything about Argentina’s 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, we would like to share this quote which is the perfect explanation of why we have heritage sites and need to continue caring about them:

‘Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage, are both irreplaceable sources or life and inspiration.*’

In north-eastern Argentina you’ll find the magnificent Iguazu National Park, better known as the Iguazu Falls. Shared with both Brazil and Paraguay, there massive falls are one of the highlight destinations during any Argentina tour. It’s a semi-circle canyon reaching up to 80 meters in height and spanning 2,700 meters in diameter.

On the Argentine side you’ll enjoy front row views as you explorer wooden walkways that wind through the jungle, right up to the water. Here you have the change to attend one of the boat adventures – don’t even think twice, just do it! – and travel as close to the heart of the Devil’s Throat Canyon as anyone is able to get, of course drenched as you go under the water itself.

The Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls will be visited by a short trail through the Iguazu National Park, to then be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the Devil’s Throat.

The climate is subtropical and over 2000 vegetation species have been identified. The national park is home to animals such as giant anteaters, jaguars, toucans, black howler monkeys, prego monkeys and ocelots among many others.

Ischigualasto & Talampaya National Parks

Jumping over the northwest, we’ll take tour through the Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks. This upper set, located in the northwest desert region will make you feel like a teeny, tiny little thing, with a bursting sense of excitement.

This area contains the most complete continental fossil record known from the Triassic Peiod. Also known as the area pre Jurassic Dinosaur reign, with which we’re more familiar. It’s fascinating how much has been learned from studying the ancient, and we do mean ancient fossils that paint – literally paint – the story of our predecessors.

Many visiting these National Parks will begin their day with Talampaya National Park with it soaring red canyons, cliffs and unique rock formations. Here you will be able to see many of the ancient vertebrate and flora fossils. In the afternoon your Ischigualasto, also named ‘Moon Valley’ visited will complete the day. Until today 6 sites of rock art have been discovered and other cave and rock overhang sites will also impress you.

This is the perfect place for photographers, so get your cameras ready!

Los Glaciers National Park

Finally, it’s time to travel allll the way to the South of Argentina, where we’ll find Los Glaciers National Park in the region that is widely known as Patagonia. This Park is home to stunning landscapes of glaciers, lakes and mountains. It contains the largest ice mantle in the world, outside of Antarctica. And boasting 47 glaciers, with some of them being among the few in the world that are actually advancing. One of these is the beloved Perito Moreno Glacier, probably the most famous of all.

You can attend a boat ride to closely watch large chucks of ice break and crash below into the lake with a soundtrack of suitable for its dramatic fall. There’s as well the opportunity to conquer the Glacier on foot, hiking across the ice itself and ending with a little whisky reward – complete with the glacier ice for your cocktail.

Though it can be visited all year round, Los Glaciers National Park is best (and busiest) from November to February as you’ll feel much warmer exploring the outdoors.

Include one of Argentina’s UNESCO Heritage Sites in your Premium Argentina Travel Package with Class Adventure Travel.Or have a look at our other Customizable Argentina Vacation Packages!